Uses of mammalian cytokines and agonists; related reagents

ABSTRACT

Provided are methods of treatment for tumors. In particular, provided are methods of using of a cytokine molecule and its receptor.

This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/548,784, filed on Aug. 27, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,822,405, issued on Sep. 2, 2014, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/893,562, filed on Jul. 16, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/488,263, filed on Jul. 18, 2003, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

The Sequence Listing filed electronically herewith is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety (File Name: DX06029USDIV-SEQLIST-29AUG2014.txt; Date Created: Aug. 29, 2014; File Size: 14.9 KB.)

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to uses of mammalian cytokine molecules and related reagents. More specifically, the invention relates to identification of mammalian cytokine-like proteins and inhibitors thereof that can be used in the treatment of cancer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cancer is a progressive disease, occurring in a series of well-defined steps, usually as a consequence of activating or deactivating mutations. These mutations often render proliferating cells self-sufficient for growth, insensitive to growth-inhibitory signals, resistant to programs of terminal differentiation, senescence, or apoptosis, as well as endowing them with unlimited self-renewal capacity, the ability to orchestrate and direct sustained angiogenesis, and the ability to invade and thrive in ectopic tissue environments (see, e.g., Hanahan and Weinberg (2000) Cell 100:57-70).

The mammalian immune response is based on a series of complex cellular interactions, called the “immune network”. Recent research has provided new insights into the inner workings of this network. While it remains clear that much of the response does, in fact, revolve around the network-like interactions of lymphocytes, macrophages, granulocytes, and other cells, immunologists now generally hold the opinion that soluble proteins, known as lymphokines, cytokines, or monokines, play a critical role in controlling these cellular interactions.

Lymphokines mediate cellular activities in a variety of ways. They have been shown to support the proliferation, growth, and differentiation of pluripotential hematopoietic stem cells into vast numbers of progenitors comprising diverse cellular lineages making up a complex immune system. Proper and balanced interactions between the cellular components are necessary for a healthy immune response.

Recently, a novel IL-7-like cytokine cloned from a murine thymic stromal cell line was identified as thymic stromal lymphoietin (TSLP) (see, e.g., J. E. Sims et al., (2000) J. Exp. Med. 192:671-680; U.S. Ser. No. 09/963,347, filed September 24, 200; and SEQ ID NOs: 1, and 2). The activities of TSLP overlaps with those of IL-7; both stimulate thymocytes and mature T cells and facilitate B lymphopoiesis in cultures of fetal liver and bone marrow lymphocyte precursers. It has also been found that the receptor for TSLP is a heterodimer that consist of an IL-7-R-α chain and a common γ-like receptor chain (see, e.g., Reche et al., (2001) J. of Immunol. 167:336-343; Y. Tonozuka et al., (2001) Cytogenet Cell Genet. 93:23-25; A. Pandey et al., (2000) Nat. Immunol. 1:59-64; L. S. Park et al., (2000) J. Exp. Med. 192:659-670; and SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, 5, and 6).

Cancer development and metastasis is a multi-step process that involves local neoplasmic growth and invasion followed by dissemination to, and re-establishment at, distant sites. The neoplasm or tumor can consist of transformed cells and infiltration of stromal cells and cells of the immune system. The ability for a tumor to metastasize is the major determinant of cancer-patient mortality. TGF-β, has been implicated in both tumor suppression and progression (see e.g., Oft et al., (2002) Nat. Cell Bio. 4:487-494).

Many of the molecular and cellular mechanisms mediating the relationship between metastasis, innate immunity and cancer remain unsolved. TGF-β expression in tumors facilitates the formation of metastasis. The present invention suggests that TSLP is suppressed by TGF-β.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based upon the discovery that the expression of the immune modulator, TSLP is reduced during tumor progression and addition of exogenous TSLP causes tumor regression.

The present invention provides a method of modulating a neoplasm comprising contacting the neoplasm with an effective amount of TSLP or an agonist thereof. The neoplasm is a tumor that is cancerous and epithelial derived that includes a breast tumor, colon tumor, lung tumor, ovarian tumor or a prostate tumor. In certain embodiments, the modulating is inhibition of tumor progression by tumor rejection. The tumor rejection can be tumor size reduction or loss of metastatic potential. In further embodiments, the neoplasm contains dendritic cells and the agonist may be a mutein of TSLP, a small molecule or an agonist antibody.

The present invention further provides a method of treating a subject suffering from a neoplasm comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of TSLP or an agonist thereof. The neoplasm is an epithelial derived cancerous tumor that may be a breast tumor, colon tumor, lung tumor, ovarian tumor, or a prostate tumor.

Also provided by the present invention is a method of preventing development of a neoplasm comprising a administration of an effective amount of TSLP or agonist thereof to a subject. The neoplasm is an epithelial derived cancerous tumor that may be a breast tumor, colon tumor, lung tumor, ovarian tumor, or a prostate tumor. In certain embodiments, TSLP or an agonist thereof may be administered as a vaccine adjuvant.

The present invention also provides a method of diagnosing a neoplasm comprising contacting a biological sample from a subject, with anTSLP or TLSPR antibody under conditions suitable for the formation of an antibody:antigen complex, and detecting the complex.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DETAILED EMBODIMENTS I. Definitions

The phrase “TSLP” refers to the nucleic and amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 2. “TSLPR” is composed of two subunits, TSLPR and IL-7α, SEQ ID NOs: 4 and 6. The subunits are encoded by the nucleic acids of TSLPR and IL-7α, SEQ ID NOs: 3 and 5.

The phrase “effective amount” means an amount sufficient to ameliorate a symptom or sign of the medical condition. Typical mammalian hosts will include mice, rats, cats, dogs, and primates, including humans. An effective amount for a particular patient may vary depending on factors such as the condition being treated, the overall health of the patient, the method route and dose of administration and the severity of side affects. When in combination, an effective amount is in ratio to a combination of components and the effect is not limited to individual components alone.

An effective amount of therapeutic will decrease the symptoms typically by at least about 10%; usually by at least about 20%; preferably at least about 30%; or more preferably at least about 50%. The present invention provides reagents which will find use in therapeutic applications as described elsewhere herein, e.g., in the general description for treating disorders associated with the indications described above. Berkow (ed.) The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, Merck & Co., Rahway, N.J.; Thorn, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, McGraw-Hill, NY; Gilman, et al. (eds.) (1990) Goodman and Gilman's: The Pharmacological Bases of Therapeutics, 8th Ed., Pergamon Press; Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17th ed. (1990), Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Penn; Langer (1990) Science 249:1527-1533; Merck Index, Merck & Co., Rahway, N.J.; and Physician's Desk Reference (PDR); Cotran, et al. (eds), supra; and Dale and Federman (eds.) (2000) Scientific American Medicine, Healtheon/WebMD, New York.

The phrase “neoplasm” means an abnormal mass or colony of cells and/or infiltrating cells produced or attracted by a relatively autonomous new growth of tissue. Infiltrating cells can be dendritic cells, T cells and B cells. Most neoplasms arise from the clonal expansion of a single cell that has undergone neoplastic transformation. The transformation of a normal to a neoplastic cell can be caused by a chemical, physical, or biological agent (or event) that directly and irreversibly alters the cell genome. Neoplastic cells are characterized by the loss of some specialized functions and the acquisition of new biological properties, foremost, the property of relatively autonomous (uncontrolled) growth. Neoplastic cells pass on their heritable biological characteristics to progeny cells.

The past, present, and future predicted biological behavior, or clinical course, of a neoplasm is further classified as benign or malignant, a distinction of great importance in diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. A malignant neoplasm manifests a greater degree of autonomy, is capable of invasion and metastatic spread, may be resistant to treatment, and may cause death. A benign neoplasm has a lesser degree of autonomy, is usually not invasive, does not metastasize, and generally produces no great harm if treated adequately.

The phrase “inhibition of tumor progression” refers to stopping tumor cell growth, invasion or metastasis depending on the state of the tumor. It should cover all the necessary steps of the evolution of a tumor including neovascularization and angiogenesis.

The phrase “metastatic potential or metastasis” refers to the process by which cancer spreads from one part of the body to another, the way it travels from the place at which it first arose as a primary tumor to distant locations in the body.

The extent to which metastasis occurs varies with the individual type of tumor. Melanoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer are among the types of cancer that are prone to metastasize. When metastasis takes place, the metastases can form at a variety of sites in the body, with lymph nodes, lungs, liver, brain and bone marrow being the more common sites.

The phrase “mutein” or novel mutant proteins includes fragments, derivatives, and analogs of polypeptides. Recombinant DNA technology known to those skilled in the art can be used to create novel mutant proteins or muteins including single or multiple amino acid substitutions, deletions, additions or fusion proteins. Such modified polypeptides can show, e.g., enhanced activity or increased stability. In addition, they may be purified in higher yields and show better solubility than the corresponding natural polypeptide, at least under certain purification and storage conditions.

The phrase “vaccine adjuvant” in the context of cancer, refers to a peptide used either alone or combined with different cytokines, non-specific stimulators, whole-cell tumors or antigen presenting cells such as dendritic cells (see e.g., Kochman et al, (1999) Current Medical Research and Opinion, 15:321-326 and Jager et al, (2002) Current Opinion in Immunol., 14:178-182 and Mendelsohn et al; (2001) The Molecular Basis of Cancer, 2^(nd) Edition). The vaccine adjuvant may be administered for the prevention, amelioration, or treatment of tumors.

II. General

Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP) was originally discovered in the mouse and found to play a similar role as its homologue IL-7 in supporting early B and T cell development (see, e.g., J. E. Sims, supra; S. D. Levin et al., supra; and R. J. Ray, et al., supra). TSLP is a novel epithelial cell-derived cytokine, which induces dendritic cell (DC)-mediated CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell responses. TSLP-activated CD 11c⁺ DCs potently activate and expand CD8⁺ T cells, and induces their differentiation into interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13-producing effectors exhibiting poor catalytic activity. Additional CD40L triggering of TSLP-activated DCs induced CD8⁺ T cells with potent cytolytic activity, producing large amounts of interferon (IFN)-γ, while retaining their capacity to produce IL-5 and IL-13. TSLP has been found to play a role as an initiator of T cell responses and suggest that CD40L-expressing cells may act in combination with TSLP (see e.g., Gilliet, et al. (2003) J. Exp. Med. 197:1059-1063). The present invention is based on the surprising results that TSLP is a critical mediator in the development of neoplasms.

Recent studies analyzing TSLP suggest that it has potent effects on the ability of DCs to induce naïve CD8+ T cell activation and differentiation into IL-5 and IL-13 producing T cells (see e.g., Gilliet, et al. (2003) J. Exp. Med. 197:1059-1063). Activation of DCs appears to be a critical step in the pathogenesis of T cell mediated responses to tumors. The molecular mechanism underlying the signaling of DCs to induce T cell diseases is not clearly understood. The present findings that TSLP is highly expressed by a mouse squamous carcinoma cell line B9 suggest that TSLP represents a critical factor in understanding cancer. Studies in mouse models confirm the role that TSLP plays in tumor suppression.

Mouse squamous carcinoma cell line B9 and a derivative line, RS1, which carries overexpressed and activated Smad2 and H-ras, were studied for the mRNA expression level of the inflammatory cytokine, TSLP. It was observed that the B9 cell line expresses high levels of TSLP, whereas the RS1 cell line expresses strongly reduced levels of TSLP. Further studies were done by passing tumor cells into immune competent mice to observe the expression of TSLP.

Expression levels of TSLP were measured in various normal and tumor bearing tissues. TSLP expression was significantly higher in normal breast tissues when compared to proximal breast carcinoma tissues. Similar results were observed with normal colon, lung, ovarian, and prostate cancer tissues and proximal colon, lung, ovarian, and prostate cancer tissues. An interesting observation was that human tumor cells expressed significantly diminished amounts of TSLP when compared to the untransformed counterpart.

TSLP expression in carcinogen treated (DMBA, a site specific carcinogen, and TPA, a tumor promoter) mouse skin were initially elevated at 5 and 24 hour timepoints and subsequently fell to at or below control levels at later timepoints, again demonstrating that progression of the proliferative disorder coincides with a drop in TSLP expression.

It has been shown that TSLP and IL-7 engage similar signal transduction mechanisms. Both induce tyrosine phosphorylation of the transcription factor Stat5. While IL-7 mediated signaling occurs via activation of Janus kinases Jak1 and Jak 3; TSLP is unable to activate either enzyme, but may instead interact with Jak 2. It was further shown that the functional receptor for TSLP, TSLPR, when activated leads to phosphoralation of both Stat5 and Stat3 (see, e.g., Reche, et al. (2001) J. Immunol. 167:336-343).

In an in vivo model of tumor rejection, tumors induced in mice by Ep-ras cells were treated by a single administration of adenvirus containing mTSLP (Ad-TSLP) or by several administrations of mTSLP protein. In both cases, mTSLP appeared to significantly inhibit tumor growth when compared to control (Ad-GFP or PBS) treatment. This data indicates that TSLP exhibits potent tumor rejection activity probably caused by reactivation of the immune response to established tumors.

As noted above, inflammation appears to be a critical component of tumor progression, as many cancers arise in areas of infection, chronic irritation, and inflammation. The tumor microenvironment is an indispensable participant in the neoplastic process, fostering proliferation, survival and migration. This microenvironment appears to be largely orchestrated by inflammatory cells. The critical role of TSLP in the inflammatory process and endothelial growth factor activity, with the data presented above, one skilled in the art would recognize that the modulation of TSLP expression and activity is an important component in the progression of tumors.

The present invention provides methods and reagents to enhance the Th2 mediated response by agonizing the activities of TSLP. Enhancement of this response is useful in the treatment of disorders due to suppression of the immune system, e.g., cancer. Augmentation of dendritic cell activity induced by TSLP will be useful in the treatment of cancer. TSLP and/or agonists thereof will also be useful as a vaccine adjuvant.

II. Agonists and Antagonists

Agonists include the full-length cytokine protein, TSLP (see e.g., SEQ ID NO: 2). Peptides of those sequences, or variants thereof, will be used to induce receptor signaling. These variants include those that are conservatively substituted and with long half lives. Agonists can be modified to have longer half-lives by pegalation (PEG) or by tagging the agonist with the Fc portion of an IgG antibody (see e.g., Karmonos, (2001) BioDrugs, 15:705-711). Both methods provide a method to evade the immune response by not degrading as fast. For example, conjugation of the agonist with PEG significantly decreases the proteins clearance from plasma. Also contemplated are small molecules that also induce receptor signaling.

Antibodies can be raised to various epitopes of the TSLP proteins, including species, polymorphic, or allelic variants, and fragments thereof, both in their naturally occurring forms and in their recombinant forms. Additionally, antibodies can be raised to TSLPs in either their active forms or in their inactive forms, including native or denatured versions. Anti-idiotypic antibodies are also contemplated.

Antibodies, including binding fragments and single chain versions, against predetermined fragments of the antigens can be raised by immunization of animals with conjugates of the fragments with immunogenic proteins. Monoclonal antibodies are prepared from cells secreting the desired antibody. These antibodies can be screened for binding to normal or defective TSLPs, or screened for agonistic or antagonistic activity, e.g., mediated through a receptor.

A TSLP antibody can also be useful in diagnostic applications. As capture or non-neutralizing antibodies, they can be screened for ability to bind to the antigens without inhibiting binding to a receptor. As neutralizing antibodies, they can be useful in competitive binding assays. They will also be useful in detecting or quantifying TSLP protein or its receptors (see, e.g., Chan (ed. 1987) Immunology: A Practical Guide, Academic Press, Orlando, Fla.; Price and Newman (eds. 1991) Principles and Practice of Immunoassay, Stockton Press, N.Y.; and Ngo (ed. 1988) Nonisotopic Immunoassay, Plenum Press, N.Y.). Cross absorptions, depletions, or other means will provide preparations of defined selectivity, e.g., unique or shared species specificities. These may be the basis for tests that will identify various groups of antigens.

Further, the antibodies, including antigen-binding fragments, of this invention can be potent antagonists that bind to the antigen and inhibit functional binding, e.g., to a receptor that may elicit a biological response. They also can be useful as non-neutralizing antibodies and can be coupled to toxins or radionuclides so that when the antibody binds to antigen, a cell expressing it, e.g., on its surface, is killed. Further, these antibodies can be conjugated to drugs or other therapeutic agents, either directly or indirectly by means of a linker, and may effect drug targeting.

Immunoassays in the competitive binding format can be used for the crossreactivity determinations. The antibodies of this invention can also be useful in diagnostic applications. As capture or non-neutralizing antibodies, they can be screened for ability to bind to the antigens without inhibiting binding to a receptor. As neutralizing antibodies, they can be useful in competitive binding assays. They will also be useful in detecting or quantifying TSLP protein or its receptors (see, e.g., Chan (ed. 1987) Immunology: A Practical Guide, Academic Press, Orlando, Fla.; Price and Newman (eds. 1991) Principles and Practice of Immunoassay, Stockton Press, N.Y.; and Ngo (ed. 1988) Nonisotopic Immunoassay, Plenum Press, N.Y.). Cross absorptions, depletions, or other means will provide preparations of defined selectivity, e.g., unique or shared species specificities. These may be the basis for tests that will identify various groups of antigens.

Antibodies raised against each TSLP will also be useful to raise anti-idiotypic antibodies. These will be useful in detecting or diagnosing various immunological conditions related to expression of the respective antigens.

III. Therapeutic Compositions and Diagnostic Methods

Cytokines, such as IL-7, IL-12 or IL-23 antagonist and agonists thereof are normally administered parentally, preferably intravenously. Since such proteins or peptides may be immunogenic they are preferably administered slowly, either by a conventional IV administration set or from a subcutaneous depot, e.g. as taught by Tomasi, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,732,863. Means to minimize immunological reactions may be applied. Small molecule entities may be orally active.

Parenteral therapeutics may be administered in aqueous vehicles such as water, saline, or buffered vehicles with or without various additives and/or diluting agents. Alternatively, a vaccine adjuvant or, a suspension, such as a zinc suspension, can be prepared to include the peptide. Such a suspension can be useful for subcutaneous (SQ) or intramuscular (IM) injection (see, e.g., Avis, et al. (eds.)(1993) Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Parenteral Medications 2d ed., Dekker, N.Y.; Lieberman, et al. (eds. 1990) Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Tablets 2d ed., Dekker, N.Y.; Lieberman, et al. (eds. 1990) Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Disperse Systems Dekker, N.Y.; Fodor, et al. (1991) Science 251:767-773, Coligan (ed.) Current Protocols in Immunology; Hood, et al. Immunology Benjamin/Cummings; Paul (ed.) Fundamental Immunology; Academic Press; Parce, et al. (1989) Science 246:243-247; Owicki, et al. (1990) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 87:4007-4011; and Blundell and Johnson (1976) Protein Crystallography, Academic Press, New York.).

Selecting an administration regimen for a therapeutic depends on several factors, including the serum or tissue turnover rate of the entity, the level of symptoms, the immunogenicity of the entity, and the accessibility of the target cells, timing of administration, absorption through epithelial layers, etc. Preferably, an administration regimen maximizes the amount of therapeutic delivered to the patient consistent with an acceptable level of side effects. Accordingly, the amount of biologic delivered depends in part on the particular entity and the severity of the condition being treated. Guidance in selecting appropriate doses of cytokine or small molecules is determined using standard methodologies.

Determination of the appropriate dose is made by the clinician, e.g., using parameters or factors known or suspected in the art to affect treatment or predicted to affect treatment. Generally, the dose begins with an amount somewhat less than the optimum dose and it is increased by small increments thereafter until the desired or optimum effect is achieved relative to any negative side effects. Important diagnostic measures include those of symptoms of, e.g., the inflammation or level of inflammatory cytokines produced. Preferably, a biologic that will be used is derived from the same species as the animal targeted for treatment, thereby minimizing a humoral response to the reagent.

Antibodies, antibody fragments, and proteins or polypeptides can be provided by continuous infusion, or by doses at intervals of, e.g., one day, one week, or 1-7 times per week. Doses may be provided intravenously, subcutaneously, topically, orally, nasally, rectally, intramuscular, intracerebrally, or by inhalation. A preferred dose protocol is one involving the maximal dose or dose frequency that avoids significant undesirable side effects. A total weekly dose is generally at least 0.05 μg/kg body weight, more generally at least 0.2 μg/kg, most generally at least 0.5 μg/kg, typically at least 1 μg/kg, more typically at least 10 μg/kg, most typically at least 100 μg/kg, preferably at least 0.2 mg/kg, more preferably at least 1.0 mg/kg, most preferably at least 2.0 mg/kg, optimally at least 10 mg/kg, more optimally at least 25 mg/kg, and most optimally at least 50 mg/kg, see, e.g., Yang, et al. (2003) New Engl. J. Med. 349:427-434; Herold, et al. (2002) New Engl. J. Med. 346:1692-1698; Liu, et al. (1999) J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psych. 67:451-456; Portielji, et al. (2003) Cancer Immunol. Immunother. 52:133-144. The desired dose of a small molecule therapeutic, e.g., a peptide mimetic, natural product, or organic chemical, is about the same as for an antibody or polypeptide, on a moles/kg basis.

The present invention also provides for administration of biologics in combination with known therapies, e.g., steroids, particularly glucocorticoids, which alleviate the symptoms, e.g., associated with inflammation, or antibiotics or anti-infectives. Daily dosages for glucocorticoids will range from at least about 1 mg, generally at least about 2 mg, and preferably at least about 5 mg per day. Generally, the dosage will be less than about 100 mg, typically less than about 50 mg, preferably less than about 20 mg, and more preferably at least about 10 mg per day. In general, the ranges will be from at least about 1 mg to about 100 mg, preferably from about 2 mg to 50 mg per day. Suitable dose combinations with antibiotics, anti-infectives, or anti-inflammatories are also known.

Antibodies which specifically bind TSLP or TSLPR may be used for the diagnosis of conditions or diseases characterized by expression of TSLP or TSLPR, or in assays to monitor patients being treated with TSLP or TSLPR, agonists, antagonists or inhibitors. The antibodies useful for diagnostic purposes may be prepared in the same manner as those described above for therapeutics. Diagnostic assays for TSLP or TSLPR include methods that utilize the antibody and a label to detect TSLP or TSLPR in human body fluids or extracts of cells or tissues. The antibodies may be used with or without modification, and may be labeled by joining them, either covalently or non-covalently, with a reporter molecule. A wide variety of reporter molecules, which are known in the art, may be used, several of which are described above.

A variety of protocols including ELISA, RIA, and FACS for TSLP or TSLPR are known in the art and provide a basis for diagnosing altered or abnormal levels of TSLP or TSLPR expression. Normal or standard values for TSLP or TSLPR expression are established by combining body fluids or cell extracts taken from normal mammalian subjects, preferably human, with antibody to TSLP or TSLPR under conditions suitable for complex formation. The amount of standard complex formation may be quantified by various methods, but preferably by photometric, means. Quantities of TSLP or TSLPR expressed in subject, control and disease, samples from biopsied tissues are compared with the standard values. Deviation between standard and subject values establishes the parameters for diagnosing disease. The polynucleotides, which may be used, include oligonucleotide sequences, complementary RNA and DNA molecules, and PNAs. The polynucleotides may be used to detect and quantitate gene expression in biopsied tissues in which expression of TSLP or TSLPR may be correlated with disease. The diagnostic assay may be used to distinguish between absence, presence, and excess expression of TSLP or TSLPR, and to monitor regulation of TSLP or TSLPR levels during therapeutic intervention.

In one aspect, hybridization with PCR probes which are capable of detecting polynucleotide sequences, including genomic sequences, encoding TSLP or TSLPR or closely related molecules, may be used to identify nucleic acid sequences which encode TSLP or TSLPR. The specificity of the probe, whether it is made from a highly specific region, e.g., 10 unique nucleotides in the 5′ regulatory region, or a less specific region, e.g., especially in the 3′ coding region, and the stringency of the hybridization or amplification (maximal, high, intermediate, or low) will determine whether the probe identifies only naturally occurring sequences encoding TSLP or TSLPR, alleles, or related sequences. Probes may also be used for the detection of related sequences, and should preferably contain at least 50% of the nucleotides from any of the TSLP or TSLPR encoding sequences. The hybridization probes of the subject invention may be DNA or RNA and derived from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or from genomic sequence including promoter, enhancer elements, and introns of the naturally occurring TSLP or TSLPR.

Means for producing specific hybridization probes for DNAs encoding TSLP or TSLPR include the cloning of nucleic acid sequences TSLP or TSLPR or derivatives thereof into vectors for the production of mRNA probes. Such vectors are known in the art, commercially available, and may be used to synthesize RNA probes in vitro by means of the addition of the appropriate RNA polymerases and the appropriate labeled nucleotides. Hybridization probes may be labeled by a variety of reporter groups, for example, radionuclides such as 32P or 35S, or enzymatic labels, such as alkaline phosphatase coupled to the probe via avidin/biotin coupling systems, and the like.

Antibodies as well as polynucleotide sequences encoding TSLP or TSLPR may be used for the diagnosis of conditions or disorders which are associated with expression of TSLP or TSLPR. Examples of such conditions or disorders include carcinoma, leukemia, lymphoma, melanoma, myeloma, sarcoma, and teratocarcinoma and particularly cancers of the adrenal gland, bladder, bone, bone marrow, brain, breast, cervix, gall bladder, ganglia, gastrointestinal tract, heart, kidney, liver, lung, muscle, ovary, pancreas, parathyroid, penis, prostate, salivary glands, skin, spleen, testis, thymus, thyroid, and uterus. The polynucleotide sequences encoding TSLP or TSLPR may be used in Southern or northern analysis, dot blot, or other membrane-based technologies; in PCR technologies; or in dipstick, pin, ELISA assays or microarrays utilizing fluids or tissues from patient biopsies to detect TSLP or TSLPR expression. Such qualitative or quantitative methods are well known in the art.

With respect to cancer, the presence of a relatively high amount of transcript in biopsied tissue from an individual may indicate a predisposition for the development of the disease, or may provide a means for detecting the disease prior to the appearance of actual clinical symptoms. A more definitive diagnosis of this type may allow health professionals to employ preventative measures or aggressive treatment earlier thereby preventing the development or further progression of the cancer.

The broad scope of this invention is best understood with reference to the following examples, which are not intended to limit the inventions to the specific embodiments.

EXAMPLES I. General Methods

Some of the standard methods are described or referenced, e.g., in Maniatis, et al. (1982) Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Press; Sambrook, et al. (1989) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, (2d ed.), vols. 1-3, CSH Press, NY; Ausubel, et al., Biology, Greene Publishing Associates, Brooklyn, NY; or Ausubel, et al. (1987 and Supplements) Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Greene/Wiley, New York. Methods for protein purification include such methods as ammonium sulfate precipitation, column chromatography, electrophoresis, centrifugation, crystallization, and others (see, e.g., Ausubel, et al. (1987 and periodic supplements); Deutscher (1990) “Guide to Protein Purification” in Meth. Enzymol., vol. 182, and other volumes in this series; and manufacturer's literature on use of protein purification products, e.g., Pharmacia, Piscataway, N.J., or Bio-Rad, Richmond, Calif.). Combinations with recombinant techniques allow fusion to appropriate segments, e.g., to a FLAG sequence or an equivalent that can be fused via a protease-removable sequence (see, e.g., Hochuli (1990) “Purification of Recombinant Proteins with Metal Chelate Absorbent” in Setlow (ed.) Genetic Engineering, Principle and Methods 12:87-98, Plenum Press, N.Y.; and Crowe, et al. (1992) QIAexpress: The High Level Expression & Protein Purification System QIAGEN, Inc., Chatsworth, Calif.).

Computer sequence analysis is performed, e.g., using available software programs, including those from the GCG (U. Wisconsin) and GenBank sources. Public sequence databases were also used, e.g., from GenBank and others.

II. TSLP Expression in Human Tumor and Normal Cell Line

Human carcinoma cell lines were chosen that were either part of the NCI 60 panel (http://dtp.nci.nih.gov/docs/misc/common_files/cell list.html, A. Monks et al, J. Natl. Cancer Inst. (1991) 83, 757.), or commonly used in the literature. Corresponding normal cell types from each organ or system were obtained from ATCC, Cascade biologics (Portland, Oreg.), or Clonetics (Division of Biowhittaker, Walkersville, Md.). In each case, these were normal, non-transformed, non-immortalized cells, and represent cell types of the particular anatomic region, e.g. fibroblasts, melanocytes and keratinocytes to serve as normal controls for melanoma cell lines, normal mammary epithelial cells to serve as normal controls for breast carcinoma cell lines, etc.

Cells were grown in tissue culture under standard growth conditions, then harvested. Total RNA was isolated using standard guanidium isothocyanate/cesium chloride gradients (Sambrook, J., Fritsch EF, Maniatis T: Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual. New York: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1989). Total RNA was subjected to treatment with DNase to eliminate possible genomic DNA contamination. DNase treated total RNA was reverse transcribed using Superscript II (Gibco/BRL) according to manufacturer's instructions. Primers were designed using Primer Express (PE Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.). Real-time quantitative PCR on 50 ng of cDNA from each sample was performed using Perkin Elmer SYBR green real-time quantitative PCR assay, using an ABI 5700 instrument. Ubiquitin levels were also measured for each sample and used to normalize starting quantities of RNA. The values represent the data normalized to ubiquitin.

III. Analysis of Expression of TSLP mRNA in Transformed Mouse Tumor Cells

The H-Ras transformed mouse keratinocyte cell line PDV and the H-Ras transformed mouse mammary cell line EP2 were treated for 5 days with 5ng/m1 TGFbetal (R&D systems) or left untreated. mRNA was prepared using RNeasy columns (Qiagen) (see e.g., Oft et al., (1996) Genes and Dev. 10:2462-2477).

B9 squamous carcinoma cells and their derivatives stably overexpressing mutant H-ras and an activated mutant of mSmad2 (see, e.g., Oft et al. (2002) Nature Cell Biol. 4:487-494) were cultured to confludence. mRNA was isolated using Qiagen RNAeasy RNA isolation kit. Subsequently the RNA was analyzed by real-time PCR using mTSLP RNA specific primers and normalized to ubiquitin mRNA controls.

IV. TSLP Expression is Lost During Tumor Passage

The Ras transformed Balb/C mouse mammary epithelial cell line, EP2, was injected in nude mice and in syngenic Balb/C mice. Tumor cells were reisolated from the tumor, selected in 0.8 mg/ml G418 (Invitrogen) for four days. mRNA was isolated as described above (see e.g., Oft et al., (1996) Genes and Dev. 10:2462-2477).

V. TGFβ Represses TSLP mRNA Expression in Epithelial Tumor Cell Lines

The Ep2 and PDV (DMBA transformed mouse keratinocytes) cell lines were cultured at 60% confluence. Cells were treated with 5 ng/ml TGFβ1 for three consecutive days. The cells were scraped, spun down, and immediately snap frozen in liquid nitrogen. TSLP mRNA was isolated and the expression analyzed by real-time PCR using mTSLP specific RNA primers. Expression levels were normalized to ubiquitin mRNA controls.

VI. TSLP mRNA Expression and Tumor Progression

Ras transformed epithelial cells were subcutaneiosuly injected in sygeneic mice an re-selected after the tumors reached 1 cm³ in volume (see, e.g., Oft et al. (1996) Genes & Devel. 10:2462-2477). All cell were cultured to 90% confluence. Cells were scraped, spun down, and immediately snap frozen in liquid nitrogen. mRNA was isolated and subsequently analyzed by real-time PCR. Expression values were normalized to ubiquitin mRNA controls.

VII. Tumor Growth and TSLP mRNA Expression

Tumors were induced on immunocompetent Balb/C mice by subcutaneously injecting 1×10⁶ EPXB tumor cells. The experimental group was subsequently injected with 0.5 mgs of TSLP two times a week following loss of body weight (see e.g., Oft et al., (1996) Genes and Dev. 10:2462-2477).

VIII. TSLP mRNA Expression in Carcinogen Treated Mouse Skin

C57B/6/129 mice were treated topically on the back with 50 ug DMBA or 30 ug TPA in 200 ul acetone each, or with acetone alone (control). Small tissue biopsies were harvested from the same mouse at various timepoints (i.e., 0, 5 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 120 h for DMBA; and 0, 5 h, 24 h, and 72 h for TPA). The specimens were immediately smap frozen in liquid nitrogen. Subsequently, mRNA was extracted and analyzed by real-time PCR using mTSLP RNA specific primers and normalized to upbiquitin mRNA controls.

IX. TSLP and Tumor Resistance

Primary NHEK cells (Clonetics, Cambrex) were cultured in defined keartinocyte growth media (Invitrogen) for five passages. The cells were infected at 60% confluency with adenovirus expressing GFP (MOI 100) or left untreated. The cells were scraped, spun down, and immediately snap frozen in liquid nitrogen. Subsequently, the RNA was extracted an analyzed by real time PCR using hTSLP RNA specific primers and normalized to ubiquitin mRNA controls. TSLP mRNA expression showed a significant increase in expression in the adenovirus infected keratinocytes.

To test if the in vitro data above translated into an in vivo setting, 10⁶ Ep-ras cells were injected subcutaneously into syngeneic Balb/C mice. When tumor size reached 200 mm³, adenovirus expressiong mTSLP or GFP was injected into the tail vein at 10¹⁰ particles/mouse. Separately, mTSLP protein or PBS (control) was also injected (5 μg 3× per week) into the tail veins at several points from day 1 through day 18. In both, tumor size was measured for 30 days.

X. Listing of Sequence Identifiers

-   -   SEQUENCE ID NO: 1 Human TSLP Nucleic Acid sequence.     -   SEQUENCE ID NO: 2 Human TSLP Amino Acid Sequence     -   SEQUENCE ID NO: 3 Human IL-7Rα Nucleic Acid Sequence     -   SEQUENCE ID NO: 4 Human IL-7Rα Amino Acid Sequence     -   SEQUENCE ID NO: 5 Human TSLPR Nucleic Acid Sequence     -   SEQUENCE ID NO: 6 Human TSLPR Amino Acid Sequence

All citations herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Many modifications and variations of this invention can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specific embodiments described herein are offered by way of example only, and the invention is to be limited by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled; and the invention is not to be limited by the specific embodiments that have been presented herein by way of example. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of modulating a neoplasm comprising contacting the neoplasm with an effective amount of TSLP or an agonist thereof.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the neoplasm is a tumor.
 3. The method of claim 3, wherein the tumor is a cancerous tumor.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the neoplasm is an epithelial derived tumor.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the epithelial derived tumor is a: a) breast tumor; b) colon tumor; c) lung tumor; d) ovary tumor; or e) prostate tumor.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the modulating is inhibition of tumor progression.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the inhibition of tumor progression is tumor rejection.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the tumor rejection consists of: a) tumor size reduction; or b) loss of metastatic potential.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the neoplasm contains dendritic cells.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the agonist is a: a) mutein of TSLP; b) small molecule; or c) agonist antibody.
 11. A method of treating a subject suffering from a neoplasm comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of TSLP or an agonist thereof.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the neoplasm is a tumor.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the tumor is a cancerous tumor.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the neoplasm is an epithelial derived tumor.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the epithelial tumor is a: a) breast tumor; b) colon tumor; c) lung tumor; d) ovary tumor; or e) prostate tumor.
 16. A method of preventing development of a neoplasm comprising a administration to a subject of an effective amount of TSLP or agonist thereof.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the neoplasm is a tumor.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the tumor is a cancerous tumor.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the neoplasm is an epithelial derived tumor.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the epithelial tumor is a: a) breast tumor; b) colon tumor; c) lung tumor; d) ovary tumor; or e) prostate tumor.
 21. The method of claim 16, wherein the TSLP or agonist thereof is administered as a vaccine adjuvant.
 22. A method of diagnosing a neoplasm comprising contacting a biological sample from a subject with a TSLP or TLSPR antibody under conditions suitable for the formation of an antibody:antigen complex, and detecting the complex. 